Medical Terminology Flashcards

Key Medical Terms and Definitions

• Anaerobic: Refers to processes or organisms that function in the absence of oxygen.
• Tracheostomy: A surgical procedure that creates an opening into the trachea to facilitate breathing.
• Tracheotomy: An incision made into the trachea, typically to remove an obstruction in the airway.
• Adenoma: A benign tumor originating from glandular tissue.
• Pleuralgia: Pain occurring in the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually due to infection or irritants.
• Bronchoscopy: A procedure that allows for visualization of the bronchi using a bronchoscope.
• Tachypnea: A condition characterized by an abnormally rapid respiratory rate.
• Bradycardia: A slower than normal heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute.
• Hypertrophy: The increase in size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its cells.
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to infection.
• Afebrile: A state of being without a fever; normal body temperature is maintained.
• Febrile: Indicates the presence of fever, often as a response to infection or illness.
• Tachycardia: An elevated heart rate, generally over 100 beats per minute.
• Hypertension: A chronic condition marked by elevated blood pressure levels.
• Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure, potentially leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Dyspnea: A symptom of difficult or labored breathing, can indicate underlying health issues.
• Apnea: A temporary cessation of breathing; can occur during sleep or with certain medical conditions.
• Pleuritis (or Pleurisy): Inflammation of the pleura, which can cause sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing.
• Cyanosis: A bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes, often indicating low oxygen levels.
• Bilateral: Pertaining to both sides of the body or an organ.
• Unilateral: Relating to one side of the body or an organ.
• Cytology: The branch of biology focused on the study of cells, including their functions and structure.
• Hemoptysis: The expectoration (coughing up) of blood from the respiratory tract.
• Thoracotomy: A surgical procedure involving an incision into the chest cavity.
• Lobectomy: The surgical removal of a lobe of an organ, commonly performed on the lungs.
• Cardiomegaly: An enlargement of the heart, which can indicate various heart conditions.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time.
• Hyperventilation: Rapid or deep breathing that can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
• Hypoventilation: Inadequate ventilation leading to increased carbon dioxide levels and decreased oxygen levels.
• Hypoxia: A condition characterized by insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues.
• Hypercarbia: Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
• Bronchodilation: The process of widening the air passages in the respiratory tract, improving airflow.
• Pneumothorax: The presence of air in the pleural space that can collapse the lung.
• Mucolytic: Medications that help break down and clear mucus from the airways.
• Mucokinetic: Drugs that promote the movement of mucus through the airways.
• Hypoxemia: Deficiency of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to organ damage if severe.